Glock pistol: history, performance characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

Glock 22
(
Glock-22
) is a Glock self-loading pistol chambered for .40 S&W caliber. Adopted by the US FBI for special agents.

Models chambered for 9x19mm

Models chambered for this cartridge are the most popular all over the world. The diameter of the cartridge allows the use of capacious magazines, and the recoil force is one of the softest in the category of service weapons.

Glock 43: Everyday Backup Plan

Glock has a variety of handguns in a variety of sizes, whether it's the G17 or the compact G26. Those who wanted the smallest Glock bought the G42 chambered in .380 ACP. But this ammunition did not suit everyone, and soon the company released the 9mm G43 model.

Thanks to the single-stack 6-round magazine, its width does not exceed 26 mm, which means it is perfect for concealed carry. In addition, it has all the distinctive characteristics of “adult” models, including the Safe Action trigger.

Glock 43

Glock 17: Source

This model started the "Glock revolution". Today it is the most common pistol among law enforcement agencies around the world.

Glock 17

Glock 19: Workhorse

A more compact version of the G17 and the favorite pistol of the 40,000-strong army of New York police officers and the UN security service. Due to its light weight and size, it once replaced revolvers chambered for the .38 ACP cartridge.

Glock 19

Glock 34 Gen4 MOS

This model, known as the "Practical/Tactical", also received the ability to mount red dot sights. This means that a pistol that has already won all the major shooting competitions has opened up new categories in which it is sure to win.

Glock 34 Gen4 MOS

Glock 34: A model with sporting ambitions

The same G17, but with a slightly elongated barrel. Comparable in size to the M1911 Government.

Glock 34

Glock 26: Bodyguard

In size and weight, this model is comparable to the snub-nosed revolvers chambered for the .38 ACP cartridge, which it replaced. In addition, it uses a more powerful cartridge, and the magazine holds 11 rounds.

An ideal backup option for those whose main weapon is the G17 or G19. Like the full-size models, it also features a dual recoil spring, a relocatable magazine release button on the other side of the frame, and a textured grip for a secure grip.

Glock 26

Design Features of the Glock 17

It is immediately worth highlighting the fact that the design of Glock pistols has always been simple and therefore extremely reliable.

Glock 17

consists of only 33 parts, which makes it very easy to disassemble and just as quickly assemble

The Glock 17 consists of only 33 parts, which makes it very easy to disassemble and also quickly assemble. Complete disassembly and assembly is carried out without special equipment. Among the main features of the Glock 17 pistol are the following:

1. One of the main design features of the Glock 17 is that it does not have a traditional trigger that requires a lot of force to fire. There is a “safe trigger” installed here, which is enough for only 2 kg. This allows you to increase the accuracy of fire even in the hands of untrained people.
2. The second design feature is the increased survivability of mechanisms and components. By comparison, pistols with the highest reliability are those that are capable of firing about 40 thousand shots without repairs or replacement of parts. The Glock 17 is capable of firing more than 300 thousand shots. The manufacturer says that if handled properly, it can give the owner 500 thousand shots, which is a truly unique parameter.
3. The third, but no less important feature is the ability to fire underwater at a depth of no more than 3 meters. This is extremely useful for special forces, for example, Navy SEALs.

Models chambered for .40 S&W

This cartridge was introduced in 1990 as a cross between the powerful .45 AUTO and the compact 9x19mm. Gained popularity among both police officers and ordinary citizens. The recoil of such weapons is stronger than that of 9mm models.

Glock 22: Favorite

The most popular pistol among police officers in the United States. For its size, this pistol has the largest magazine capacity of any Glock model.

Glock 22

Glock 23: Versatile

The same G19, but with a wider bore. It is solid enough for police officers, and quite compact for concealed carry. The professionals' favorite choice for undercover work.

Glock 23

Glock 27: Mighty Baby

This pistol can be carried in either a pocket or an ankle holster. Despite its size, it holds 10 rounds. Its small size does not in any way affect its accuracy or ease of handling.

Glock 27

Glock 35 Gen4 MOS: King of Competition

Another twin brother of the G34 model. It has a special dual recoil spring that helps soften recoil and ensure reliable performance in the harshest conditions. And the MOS system gives him plenty of options for mounting sights.

Glock 35 Gen4 MOS

Glock 35: "Practical Tactical" in .40 caliber

The same G22, but increased to the size of the M1911 Government.

Glock 35

Curious facts

Glock pistols are shrouded in many myths, many of which Glock weapons owe to action movies. Among the main interesting facts are the following:

• contrary to the words of Bruce Willis's character from the movie "Die Hard", the Glock is still detected by metal detectors, since it contains metal parts;
• there is a myth that if a gun is dropped on a hard surface, it can simply burst, like any other plastic product - in fact, this myth has been tested and failed many times;
• The Glock 17 is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most reliable pistol.

Models chambered for 10mm Auto

It is the most powerful pistol cartridge and is available in several versions: from comparable to the .40 S&W cartridge to hunting versions with energy exceeding 900 J. The G20 and G29 models, due to their lightness, reliability and soft recoil, are considered the optimal option for such cartridges .

Glock 40 Gen4 MOS: The Power of the 10mm Auto

This pistol's six-inch barrel ensures that each of the 15 powerful rounds in the magazine will be delivered straight to the target without a hitch. The MOS model has a 2 kg trigger pull and all the innovations that were introduced in the fourth generation: a double recoil spring and a magazine release button that can be mounted on both sides of the frame.

The hard and corrosion-resistant coating of the bolt housing and barrel is made using rotary forging technology and guarantees trouble-free operation of the pistol in the harshest conditions.

Glock 40 Gen4 MOS

Glock 20 Gen4: 10mm Auto in full size format

One of the few models that for many years has withstood all the tests that this cartridge throws at it. The model has unsurpassed accuracy and reliability with fairly soft recoil.

Glock 20 Gen4

Glock 20 SF: Maximum power in a fairly compact size

The company is introducing the SF (Short Frame) design in models chambered for 10mm caliber. Despite the reduced frame, the length of the pistol's sighting line guarantees high shooting accuracy. It can also be fitted with a 6-inch barrel for even greater accuracy.

Glock 20 SF

Glock 29 Gen4: 10mm Auto for Concealed Carry

The G29 provides the reliability of the full-size G20 and features a large 10+1 round magazine.

Glock 29 Gen4

Glock 29 SF: Maximum power in a compact format

A short frame is also available for the G29 model. This subcompact frame has a new and more ergonomic location of the trigger.

Glock 29 SF

Models chambered for .45 Auto

This high-powered cartridge has been instilling fear in its opponents for over 100 years. The market offers both full-size and pocket pistols for a wide variety of variations of this caliber.

Glock 41 Gen4 MOS: Victorious

Another “Practical/Tactical” pistol with the MOS system, but this time chambered for the high-precision .45 Auto cartridge.

Glock 41 Gen4 MOS

Glock 41 Gen4: .45 Auto Champion

He was born to give a head start to other competitors in the competition. Its long bolt casing provides maximum length of the aiming line, which has a positive effect on shooting accuracy.

Glock 41 Gen4

Glock 21 Gen4: Standard in .45 Auto

With this model, even a beginner will feel all the advantages of this cartridge. A double return spring and replaceable pads on the rear surface of the handle guarantee the shooter a comfortable grip and shooting.

Glock 21 Gen4

Glock 21 SF: American Legend

This pistol is renowned for its accuracy and soft recoil. This powerful and lightweight pistol is a reliable workhorse on both sides of the pole.

Glock 21 SF

Glock 30 Gen4: Undercover

A compact version of the G21 that is great for concealed carry and outperforms most competitors in shooting accuracy.

Glock 30 Gen4

Glock 30 SF: The Right Choice for Concealed Carry

This model has a short frame and is the right choice for fighters of various special forces.

Glock 30 SF

Glock 30S: Superiority

The Slim model combines power, high magazine capacity and convenient concealed carry. The engineers managed to combine the slide housing from the G36 .45 model and the narrow frame from the G30 SF.

Glock 30S

Glock 36: .45 Auto power in a compact size

The frame of this model has been flattened, which guarantees ease of handling for people with short fingers. The magazine holds 6+1 rounds, and thanks to its width not exceeding 25 mm, it is ideal for concealed carry.

Glock 36

Models chambered for .45 GAP

The .45 Glock Auto Pistol cartridge is designed to provide shooters with the power of a .45 Auto cartridge in a 9mm pistol format.

Glock 37: Huge Power in the Perfect Format

This model combines two of the most desirable features among shooters: the power of the .45 Auto cartridge and the convenience of the original G17. This model has it all: Safe Action, a polymer frame, a barrel made using rotary forging technology, and an extremely durable coating on the bolt housing.

Glock 37

Glock 38: Compact

The second stage in the evolution of models for this ammunition. The spacious magazine for 8+1 powerful rounds in a compact format was appreciated by both professionals and armed citizens.

Glock 38

Glock 39: Maximum power in the smallest format

Sub-compact version offering the power and accuracy of the .45 GAP cartridge. The right choice for professionals who want to experience all the delights of this brand in a compact size.

Glock 39

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of the Glock performance characteristics are the following:

• extremely high corrosion resistance;
• excellent reliability;
• solid shooting accuracy;
• all models can be easily disassembled and assembled without the help of additional equipment;
• the dimensions of the Glock pistol are optimal for the middle palm of a man’s hand;
• a wide variety of shops;
• Thanks to the greater angle of the handle, the pistol fits very comfortably in the hand.

See also the article Saiga 410k and its characteristics

The technical characteristics of the Glock pistol have disadvantages, including:

• the pistol is not designed for high rates of fire - this will cause parts to fail faster;
• To shoot accurately, the pistol must be held tightly in your hands;
• the gun will quickly fail if it fires at temperatures below -40 degrees and +200 Celsius;
• With prolonged use, microcracks appear in the plastic.

Model chambered for .380 Auto

Most shooters usually begin their acquaintance with weapons with this cartridge. Pistols of this caliber are especially suitable for women and people with short fingers. In addition, their small sizes make them easy to hide under clothes.

Glock 42: Backup Plan

This model has set a new standard for ultra-compact pistols. It has a large 6+1 round magazine and is very easy to handle. It is also the smallest pistol from Glock.

Glock 42

Use in popular culture

Glock pistols are a very common feature in movies and computer video games. For example, the favorite weapon of Bruce Willis's character in the movie Die Hard 2 is the same Glock 17.

One of the bandits makes his rounds with a Glock in his hands in the second part of Die Hard.

In addition, pistols from this company are found in such computer games as:

1. GTA IV;
2. Half Life;
3. Counter-Strike and others.

Model chambered for .357

Imagine a .40 S&W cartridge casing that has been tapered to accommodate a 9mm bullet, and you get a .357 cartridge. This cartridge provides the energy of a Magnum revolver cartridge in pistol ammunition format.

Glock 31: The Power of the .357

It is a full-size pistol with a magazine capacity of 15+1 high-powered .357 rounds.

Glock 31